THIEVES IN A TEMPLE

Uproar over theft at Siddheswari temple

A gang of armed miscreants robbed off the ancient idol of Goddess Siddheswari from the historic temple situated at Siddheswari village at early hours of Sunday. The temple stands at a distance of about 2.5-kilometre from Baneswar Shiva temple. Hearing the news a large number of locals and devotees from far and near areas have rushed to the temple since Sunday morning. Many of them broke down to tears, as there is a popular belief that Devi Siddhewari is an awakened Goddess. An inquiry started to recover the stolen idol and arrest the miscreants. Meanwhile, two NVF jawans who were on duty to guard the temple have been suspended.

The priest of the temple, Mr Dhireswar Debsarma told reporters that a few armed miscreants broke open the temple by threatening the guards and looted the 15.5-centemetre idol made of Austodhatu (eight-metal) and the Kharga (the weapon used for sacrifice of animals devoted to the Goddess). The incident took place at about 2 a.m. When the guards informed him he rushed to the temple at early morning and then reported the matter to the police.

On being informed a large contingent of police led by DSP (Head Quarters) Mr Mahadeb Chatterjee arrived at the spot. He promised the aggrieved locals and devotees that armed men are to be deployed from now on to guard the temple. The members of the gang of miscreants might be caught very soon, he assured.

Cooch Behar Sadar SDO Ms Rumela Dey too visited the temple. Police sources said a probe has been started into the incident and the two NVF jawans engaged in the temple to guard it have been suspended due to negligence in their duty.

The Siddheswari temple was established during the regime of Maharaja Harendra Narayan. Considering its style of uniqueness, structure and architecture such a temple is nowhere in Cooch Behar district. It is one of the ancient temples that are under the Debottar Trust Board, the guardian body of all temples and religious places of erstwhile Cooch Behar State.